Dear fellow traveler  

Finally! The South African Government has apparently come to their senses and announced a couple of months ago that they will streamline the visitor’s visa process for visitors from China to South Africa. But since I know them very well, I will wait until next month to give an update on that story since their processes are notoriously slow. 

In the meantime, in this issue we give you an exclusively South African array of articles so you know what you can expect from this beautiful country. Fact is often stranger than fiction and this is certainly the case in the story of the astonishing Battle of Isandlwana which occurred in KwaZulu Natal on the 22nd of January 1879. It is definitely worth a visit to understand a bit more about the British Empire’s colonizing tactics in this part of the world and how they got their come-uppance on this bloody day. 

Then we travel to Thanda Safaris Private Game Lodge, about 3 hours’ drive from Rourke’s Drift in the same beautiful province of KwaZulu Natal. Thanda is superb in every sense. The staff have a wonderful generosity of spirit and they will gladly see to your every need. Thanda Safari Lodge’s public areas are colorful and drenched in light, with touches of beading, welcoming leather and authentic wood. 

Your bush villa is jaw-droppingly opulent and the wild-life is unsurpassed.  

But then there is a next level of privacy and for that you have to travel to Madikwe Game Reserve, currently the fifth largest game reserve and is also one of the lesser- known parks in South Africa. It is in North West Province and we stayed at the most precious gem in their crown - Morukuru River House, part of the Morukuru collection. Be prepared to be blown away by the luxury, total privacy, exclusivity and stellar service. Oh, and of course the Big-5. 

We hope you enjoy this issue of Africa Travel so until next time, Bon Voyage! 

Jo Kromberg,  

Africa Travel Editor